Recommended Study Sequence

The unit studies the basic concepts of biochemistry and histology, general anatomy, and physiology of the major body systems. This unit is designed to provide students especially applied health science students with an overview of body systems and their functions to ensure a suitable basis for their future studies of regional anatomy, clinical neurosciences, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology and other clinical sciences.

This unit introduces students to the profession of occupational therapy, conceptual foundations underpinning the profession, and areas of clinical practice. Students will learn about the important and unique contribution made by occupational therapists in people’s lives to promote health and well-being. The important role of occupation in daily life will be discussed. In particular, this unit presents an overview of how occupational therapy reduces activity limitations people may have, and in doing so enhances the social participation for people of all ages and abilities. The problem solving process used by occupational therapists to assist clients will be introduced.

Communication is integral to professional relationships. In this unit students develop skills in both written and verbal communication in preparation for work within the health professions. Students will develop self-awareness of their professional, interpersonal and communication skills, enhancing their ability to develop appropriate professional relationships with clients and colleagues.

The ability to analyse human occupation including tasks and activities is a core component of occupational therapy practice. This unit provides the students with an understanding of the role of activities in a person’s life. Students will develop skills in task and activity analysis and an understanding of assessment related to specific performance components of activity. The ICDH-2 will provide the context for activity analysis. Students will gain an understanding of how the modification of activities can enable individuals with impairments to overcome activity limitations or restrictions in participation.

This unit is intended to provide students with an in depth and clinical study of those human medical sciences which underpin specific intervention principles and procedures to be taught in the professional units. Primary contact health care providers have professional requirements that cover a broad spectrum of diagnostic, medical and physical practices. In order to ensure a suitable basis for later practice of osteopathy, podiatry, and occupational therapy, students require a detailed knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology with emphasis on musculoskeletal system, innervation and blood supply of relevant body structures.

This unit introduces some of the core concepts, models, theories and methods of inquiry in psychology as they apply to health. Assumptions of human behaviour are examined, showing how these assumptions form the four foundational models of psychology. Those models being psychobiological, learning, cognitive and social. The application of these models to issues of development, personality, motivation and clinical applications allows students to address health topics such as stress, resilience and coping, smoking, eating disorders, disability and health practices.

This unit lays down broad foundations of research as used in various disciplines of health sciences, including health and well-being, physical fitness, physical activity, and nutrition. The aim is to create an overall understanding of the significance of research in the students’ fields of endeavour. It is designed to introduce the student to foundational concepts and principles in quantitative and qualitative research methods and to explore the complementary role of research paradigms as they underpin the quest for knowledge in the health sciences. It will also address essential research themes such as epidemiology research, validity, reliability, and research ethics.

This unit aim introduces students to the principles and practices of clinical and community fieldwork. Students will be provided with learning opportunities through a variety of experiential and self-directed learning exercises that will begin to develop their clinical skills and competence in professional practice. Professional competencies addressed include manual handling, assisted mobility, infection control, time management, goal setting, professional communication, professional and ethical behaviour and writing learning contracts. A two-week block placement is conducted at the end of the teaching period.To enrol in this unit students must have a current first aid certificate and have undertaken the special requirements for NSW Health Dept. ie. criminal record check and occupational screening and vaccinations

This unit has been replaced by 101336 - Introduction to Sociology. The aim of this unit is to offer students new understandings of people in their relations with each other in complex social and cultural contexts. The unit uses health and illness as the prism through which such understandings can be gleaned. The unit introduces students to sociological perspectives and it applies sociological ways of thinking to questions of health, illness and disability. Students will study the influence of culture and social institutions, and of social determinants such as class (socio-economic status), gender, race/ethnicity in shaping social relations and in the production of differing patterns of health and illness. The ‘body’ as a social and cultural construct, as well as a physical entity, will be explored, as will models of health and health care.

This unit will equip students with detailed knowledge of pathology and pathophysiology. The lectures and tutorials apply a systemic approach to the study of a range of disease categories, providing a foundation of pathophysiological knowledge for Osteopathy, TCM, podiatry, OT, and TR students. This unit aims at preparing the future practitioner with: an in-depth knowledge base of diseases; the ability to prescribe the most accurate response as a result of a diagnosis made, and making appropriate referral if necessary.

This unit will explore essential elements of quantitative research methods as used in health sciences. It will prepare students for the planning, designing, conducting, evaluating and reporting of a research project. The most common research designs will be examined for their relative strengths and weaknesses, with particular emphasis on how these will have an impact on interpretation and conclusion of the study. It will also introduce basic concepts in epidemiology and biostatistics as well as in using SPSS to analyse and interpret data. The overall aim is to provide skills in designing and evaluating research studies in health sciences.

The ability to analyse human movement and occupations is essential for occupational therapy practice. In this unit, students will be introduced to the principles of biomechanics and kinesiology necessary for the understanding and analysis of human movement, functional activities and occupations. Students will demonstrate the ability to set goals, describe appropriate interventions and outcome measures to use with clients.

This unit is intended to provide students with an in depth study of those human medical sciences which underpin specific intervention principles and procedures to be taught in the professional units. Primary contact health care providers have professional requirements that cover a broad spectrum of diagnostic, medical and physical practices. In order to ensure a suitable basis for later practice, students require a detailed knowledge and understanding of clinical neurosciences including histology, embryology, anatomy, and physiology of nervous system and the clinical implications.

This unit provides opportunities for students to implement skills and integrate theory with practice. The placement will allow students to work for a 2 week period with occupational therapists in one of the many settings where therapists currently practice. The project involves participation in a community based activity that contributes benefits a community based group. The project may be conducted in an intensive 2 week period or over a period of several weeks / months.

Students will demonstrate skills in the analysis and modification of the environment using principles of ergonomics and appropriate Australian standards in building design. The ICDH-2 will provide the context for assessment and modification of the environment to enable individuals with impairments to overcome activity limitations or restrictions in participation.

This unit will explore roles, activities and performance components relevant to occupational therapy in childhood and adolescence. The unit considers the concept of ‘typical’ development and deviations that may have implications for paediatric and adolescent clients. Various models and frames of reference are considered including the family centred practice approach. There will be a self directed and reflective learning approach in this unit. Students will learn about paediatric and adolescent occupational therapy practice in different clinical settings. They will observe and interact with clients in the UWS Uniclinic. This will assist students with the links between theory and practice.

The productivity role is a key aspect of adult life for most people. Occupational therapists and other professionals play a major role in assisting clients who have had their productivity role affected in some way. This unit explores the importance of productivity for adults, in particular those engaged in paid employment. The focus of this unit is the rehabilitation of the injured worker within the context of the OHS legislation and the WorkCover case management system. In addition, this unit will explore vocational counselling and rehabilitation for clients with psychosocial, cognitive and physical disabilities.

This unit provides an understanding of the aetiology, signs, symptoms and prognosis of psychiatric conditions commonly encountered by occupational therapists. Mental health policies, strategies and consumer issues are examined in relation to the management of mental illness in the community. Occupational therapy theory, assessments, interventions and outcomes related to psychosocial practice are incorporated in the unit to provide a foundation for occupational therapy practice in mental health settings.

This unit prepares occupational therapy students to work in a variety of settings with clients who have a neurological condition, such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Students learn how to analyse, measure and retrain impairments such as reduced grasp, mobility, sensation, memory, or motor planning. These impairments commonly affect a client’s ability to participate in chosen life roles and activities, and integrate back into the community. Aspects of carers’ roles will also be examined. Evidence will be discussed pertaining to occupational therapy assessments and interventions. Traditional, as well as more recently established rehabilitation interventions will be examined.

This unit critically examines practice in the community with a focus on social inclusion. Life experiences of people with disabilities are explored. Ideologies of Normalisation and Social Role Valorisation, which currently form the basis of Disability Legislation and Community Service Standards, are discussed. Rationales for de-institutionalisation and practice in the community are critically appraised. Varied perspectives of disability are examined and applied. Contentious issues such as duty of care, dignity of risk, choice-making, rights and negligence, social dimensions of participation, are critiqued against legal, ethical and personal perspectives. This unit assists students develop empathy, critical thinking and reflection skills.

The unit incorporates the theoretical evidence for clinical practice and an application of clinical practice skills for occupational therapy rehabilitation. The unit will include some of the most common conditions that are currently treated by occupational therapists in rehabilitation settings.

The unit incorporates the theoretical evidence for clinical practice and an application of skills for group work and creative therapies in clinical practice.

This unit will allow students to consolidate academic knowledge and clinical skills. There will be opportunities to actively participate in assessment, analysis, goal setting, treatment/programme planning and occupational therapy intervention under the supervision of an occupational therapist. The placement will allow students to work for 5 consecutive weeks with occupational therapist in one of the many settings where therapists currently practice.

This unit will allow students to consolidate academic knowledge and clinical skills. There will be opportunities to actively participate in assessment, analysis, goal setting, treatment/programme planning and occupational therapy intervention under the supervision of an occupational therapist. The placement will allow students to work for 5 consecutive weeks with occupational therapist in one of the many settings where therapists currently practice.

Research should be an important component of all health professionals’ practice. This unit prepares students to graduate as evidence-based professionals and competent research consumers, by advancing skills learned in earlier research units. The early stages of the unit will build on students’ previous study of research methods. Searching for, appraising, and summarising research in a relevant clinical area will be used to illustrate the process of evidence-based practice, and will provide a context for the further study of the technical principles of research. Barriers to the implementation of research in practice, policy-making, and health care planning will be explored.

This final year unit focuses on the transition from student to practitioner. The aim of this unit is to provide students with learning opportunities that will consolidate and enhance their competence in professional practice throughout their career. Professional competencies of central concern include advanced clinical reasoning skills, evidence based-practice, reflective practice, personal and career management strategies, self-directed and life long learning. These competencies contribute positively to the effective management of graduates’ clinical practice in various work contexts, and their future career paths. Acquisition of such skills will allow the graduate to direct and adapt to change in these areas.

The aim of this unit is for students to apply their knowledge of professional theory, practice, research and evaluation skills to the investigation of an occupational therapy problem. Students will apply qualitative methods to investigate their chosen topic. Students develop an extensive knowledge of their chosen topic through literature review and will apply qualitative methods of data collection and analysis to their investigation. Ethical considerations in qualitative research will be analysed and applied to the investigation process. Students will complete a project report and present this at a professional standard student conference at the completion of the semester.

The process of ageing will be examined critically using the biopsychosocial model. Students will use research evidence to prepare occupational therapy intervention for older people and their families that promotes quality of life and maximum social participation. Students will reflect on their own attitudes towards ageing and how social stereotypes of older people must be challenged to promote a positive view of this stage of life.

This unit will allow students to consolidate academic knowledge and clinical skills in preparation for becoming a competent beginning practitioner. Students will be expected to actively participate in assessment, analysis, goal setting, treatment/programme planning and occupational therapy intervention under the supervision of an occupational therapist.

Research should be an important component of all health professionals’ practice. This unit prepares students to graduate as evidence-based professionals and competent research consumers, by advancing skills learned in earlier research units. The early stages of the unit will build on students’ previous study of research methods. Searching for, appraising, and summarising research in a relevant clinical area will be used to illustrate the process of evidence-based practice, and will provide a context for the further study of the technical principles of research. Barriers to the implementation of research in practice, policy-making, and health care planning will be explored.

The process of ageing will be examined critically using the biopsychosocial model. Students will use research evidence to prepare occupational therapy intervention for older people and their families that promotes quality of life and maximum social participation. Students will reflect on their own attitudes towards ageing and how social stereotypes of older people must be challenged to promote a positive view of this stage of life.

Students will build upon the skills and knowledge of research, evaluation and scholarly enquiry gained in units completed earlier in the program. The emphasis of this unit is on the theory and application of qualitative and quantitative research methods to problems in the student’s specialty field. The unit therefore aims to explore:The nature of research and experience of researching in health practitioner rolesTechnical skills of data collection, management, analysis and interpretation in health practiceApplication of this knowledge and skill in research project development in specialist health fields. Students must be enrolled in course 4521 to be eligible to enrol in this unit

This final year unit focuses on the transition from student to practitioner. The aim of this unit is to provide students with learning opportunities that will consolidate and enhance their competence in professional practice throughout their career. Professional competencies of central concern include advanced clinical reasoning skills, evidence based-practice, reflective practice, personal and career management strategies, self-directed and life long learning. These competencies contribute positively to the effective management of graduates’ clinical practice in various work contexts, and their future career paths. Acquisition of such skills will allow the graduate to direct and adapt to change in these areas.

This unit will allow students to consolidate academic knowledge and clinical skills in preparation for becoming a competent beginning practitioner. Students will be expected to actively participate in assessment, analysis, goal setting, treatment/programme planning and occupational therapy intervention under the supervision of an occupational therapist.

In this unit students will build upon the skills and knowledge of research, evaluation and scholarly enquiry gained in units completed earlier in the program. The emphasis of this unit is the completion of a supervised research project and the production of the honours research thesis. Each student will undertake through supervision the stages of data collection, analysis and will write their results into a format suitable for submission for examination.

People with neurological conditions commonly lose the ability to use their hand and arm. The impairments and resulting disability can impact on a person’s occupational performance, and their participation in chosen activities and life roles. In this unit, students will learn how to analyse and retrain components of upper limb performance, particularly reach, grasp and in-hand manipulation. A movement science approach will be used, requiring students to read and critique motor control, motor learning, and muscle biology literature, as well as current best evidence in rehabilitation.

Experienced health professionals may choose to conduct medicolegal assessments as part of their business. These assessments and subsequent reports are different in their intent and format to those completed by treating professionals. This unit teaches students about relevant state and federal legislation and statutes, legal terminology and practices, the personal injury claim process, what is expected of an expert witness, the process of conducting an assessment, report writing skills, and giving evidence in court. While the focus will be on occupational therapy medicolegal assessments, students and professionals from other disciplines should also find this unit of interest.

This elective unit aims to give students the opportunity to investigate a particular aspect of paediatric and adolescent clinical practice. This unit will be conducted in a self-directed mode where students will have the opportunity through a learning contract to decide on their own learning objectives and negotiate assessment items. It will provide the opportunity for those students interested in pursuing a career with children and adolescents to enhance and apply their theoretical knowledge of paediatric practice to a particular area of interest.

This unit will provide an introduction to supervision of students in clinical practice settings. Students will have an opportunity to consider clinical education from a supervision perspective. This will provide them with beginning supervisory skills that can be utilised clinical settings in the early stages of their professional career.

This unit aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the methods used to evaluate clinical practice and service provision. The primary focus of this unit is clinical indicators and outcome measurement. Students will be required to apply their knowledge of professional theory, practice, and research to design a project that could be implemented in the clinical setting to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical intervention or service provision.